Sooraj Barjatya says Salman Khan wasn't innocent enough for Vivah

In a candid interview, filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya revealed why he chose Shahid Kapoor over Salman Khan for the lead role in Vivah. The director cited that Khan wasn't 'innocent' enough for the role.

In Short

• Sooraj Barjatya chose Shahid Kapoor for Vivah over Salman Khan
• He shared that Salman didn't suit the role due to lack of 'innocence'
• Salman and Sooraj last collaborated in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

Actor Salman Khan and filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya began their collaboration early in their careers, delivering hits like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, and Hum Saath Saath Hain. However, when Sooraj decided to make Vivah, he felt Salman did not suit the role due to his lack of innocence and was considered too old for the character of Prem.

In a recent interview, Sooraj, despite his long-standing association with Salman, mentioned why he chose Shahid Kapoor for the lead role in Vivah. While speaking to Digital Commentary the filmmaker said, "I decided I will not compromise. After Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon flopped, Salman called and said ‘let’s work on something’. But at that time, I didn’t have a story for Salman and this was a story that my father had given me"

He added,"When I decided I wanted to do Vivah, I knew Salman wouldn’t fit here because he was a major star." Sharing why he thought the Ready actor wouldn't be a correct fit for the film, Sooraj continued, "Isme bholapan chahiye, umar chahiye aur umar toh kisiki rukegi nahi. Toh fir yeh Shahid aur Amrita ki casting hui (This needed innocence and age, and age doesn’t stop for anyone. That’s how I cast Shahid and Amrita.)"

Before Vivah, Salman and Sooraj last worked together on Hum Saath Saath Hain. Salman and Sooraj reunited in 2015 for Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, featuring Sonam Kapoor.

Meanwhile, Shahid Kapoor will be next seen in Deva, co-starring Pooja Hegde. On the other hand, Salman Khan's next film, Sikandar, will release on Eid 2025. It also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Kajal Aggarwal.